Method and apparatus for providing a between car barrier for transportation vehicles

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a Between Car Barrier for multi-car transportation vehicles is disclosed. The present invention includes a combination of a flexible member and a secured mount, each of which are attached at opposed ends of adjacent cars of a vehicle in substantial alignment with another where the longitudinal axis of each car is substantially aligned. A positioning member keeps the flexible member from extending beyond the edge of the car, even when the vehicle is turning or traversing a curve. This provides a barrier to deter passengers from inadvertently and/or accidentally walking between cars of the multi-car transportation vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method forenhancing the safety of multi-car transportation vehicles. The presentinvention creates a barrier to prevent, deter and warn passengers,onlookers, workers and others in the vicinity of the vehicle (especiallythe vision impaired) from inadvertently and/or accidentally entering thespace between the cars of a multi-car vehicle while the vehicle is atrest, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] In order to provide efficient and affordable publictransportation, it is necessary for transportation service providers toutilize transportation vehicles which have multiple compartments or carsinterconnected under a common power source. Examples of such vehiclesinclude multiple compartment or light rail systems, trains, subways,trolleys, monorails and buses.

[0005] When multiple cars are employed, there is an inherent risk ofinjury to passengers, onlookers and others in the vicinity of thevehicle who, for whatever reason, find themselves between the cars whenthe vehicle resumes movement. Injuries can result from a person fallingonto the tracks in the space between adjacent cars. These problems areparticularly acute in the situation where passengers or others board ordisembark from a multi-car vehicle which is at rest at a raisedplatform. In such cases, the danger of falling off the platform in thespace between the cars which could cause striking or the possibility ofbecoming entangled in the coupling mechanism, and result in seriousinjuries or death. Indeed, these risks exist regardless of whether themulti-car vehicle transports passengers, cargo, or both, and the presentinvention has equal applicability to each.

[0006] The need for a barrier system of the present invention is great.For example, people can be injured due to their inattention during theboarding or disembarking process, or simply while they are in the areaof the vehicle, where no barrier is provided between the cars of amulti-car transportation vehicle. Moreover, the need for a barriersystem in a system where persons with certain disabilities or handicaps,such as blindness or other sight limiting disabilities, is particularlyacute so as to avoid injuries which might occur if they were toaccidently fall into the space between the cars of the vehicle.

[0007] Indeed, transportation providers are obligated to employ devicesor systems and mandated by Federal Law the ADA of 1991 which willprevent, deter and/or warn individuals from inadvertently stepping off aplatform between cars by local, state and federal transportation laws.(See e.g., Specifications for Transportation Vehicles, 49 CFR §§ 38 and38.85.) Such safety measures must comply with other applicablerequirements, as well as changes in the requirements, of suchregulations and laws. Thus, there is a need for a device of the presentinvention which can be installed on existing systems and on new productsof any design, as well as for a system which has the flexibility to beadapted to the applicable rules and regulations.

[0008] Historically, devices such as manual barriers and gates, chains,alarmed motion detectors, and other guards have been used. Human guardshave also been used to warn persons in the vicinity of the vehicle notto enter into the space between the cars of the vehicle in an effort toavoid injury. Such systems have numerous disadvantages which arewell-known in the industry including high cost, high maintenance, andthe possibility of failure of the system to successfully deter and/orwarn of the impending danger.

[0009] For example, Conover, U.S. Pat. No. 251,189, discloses a guard toclose the space between adjacent railroad cars. This invention isenabled by arms which are spring loaded and jointed. This systempresents the possibility of mechanical failure of the joints and/orsprings, as well as possible significant maintenance expenses. Further,this invention requires human manipulation. An operator who overlooks orforgets to activate this device renders it useless. Finally, therelatively complex construction of the Conover device renders it costlyand difficult to adapt to ever-changing designs of modem vehicles.

[0010] Similar problems are found in Du Bois, U.S. Pat. No. 269,839,which discloses a pivoted guard gate for railway cars operated byhorizontal manipulation of a draw-bar. Should the human operator fail toactivate this system, it will offer no protection whatsoever. A morerecent reference, Smith, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,301, also hasshortcomings. Smith, et al., discloses a safety barrier which can beused on a subway or railway train. The safety barrier consists ofindividual pivoting triangular protrusions which can be retracted into arecess located on the outer wall of each train car. Again, therequirement of human manipulation gives rise to the possibility of humanerror which could render the device ineffective. Further, theretractable feature needlessly adds expense and the possibility ofmechanical failure. Finally, adaptability of this device on existingcars is hampered by the requirement of recesses on the outer car wall.

[0011] Another attempt to address the need for a device of the presentinvention can be found in Rowe, U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,063. This inventiondiscloses a safety barrier positioned between coupled vehiclesconsisting of cables which remain in constant tension owing to springloading and pulleys. Here again, however, the cost, the possibility ofmechanical failure and the difficulty to adapt the Rowe invention toexisting cars are critical limitations which do not adequately addressindustry needs. Accordingly, the need for a reliable, inexpensive andadaptable between car safety device is not found in the prior art.

[0012] Other inventions, such as Simonson, U.S. Pat. No. 2,124,264,Dean, U.S. Pat. No. 2,468,590, Walters, U.S. Pat. No. 2,793,597, Hawes,U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,568, Krupp, U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,226, Maroshick, U.S.Pat. No. 3,922,971, Hassel, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,411,201 and5,539,912, and Steinmetz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,577, provide enclosuresand do not disclose efficient devices or methods to address between carsafety. Rather, these references disclose bridging and tunnel structureswhich are expensive and possibly difficult to install on existing cars.

[0013] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for the between-carsafety apparatus and method of the present invention that addresses andovercomes the deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention discloses a method and apparatus forproviding a barrier for use on multiple-car transportation vehicles (a“Between Car Barrier”).

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a Between CarBarrier which will warn and/or deter persons from unintentionally,accidentally and/or inadvertently entering into the space between thecars of the transportation vehicle. It is also an object of the presentinvention to provide a Between Car Barrier which is inexpensive toinstall and maintain and which is useable on existing transportationvehicles without extensive retrofitting being required. It is a furtherobject of the present invention to provide a Between Car Barrier whichis light-weight and, depending upon the orientation of the car and thevehicle will minimize any fuel inefficiency caused by the installationand/or deployment of the Between Car Barrier. These and other objectsand uses of the present invention will become apparent uponconsideration of the Detailed Description that follows.

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present inventioncomprises two components, which may be integrated into a unitarystructure. The first component is a secured mount. The end face of themount is provided with threaded insert holes for the purpose ofattaching supporting the second component—a loop and bracket. In thepreferred embodiment, the loop and bracket comprises a replaceable loopand bracket of a fiber, semi-rigid rubber or like material. This loopand bracket is designed to conform to meet a corresponding loop andbracket projecting in the opposite direction from the adjacent car ofthe vehicle and to flex as required on curves.

[0017] Alternatively, the loop and bracket includes an articulatedextension, which is arranged as above so as to avoid extending beyondthe envelope of the car, for example, when the vehicle is on a curve ormaking a turn. A positioning bungee cord (optional) is provided to keepthe flexible loop and bracket from protruding beyond the outside edge ofthe track envelope (i.e., the longitudinal edge), particularly when thevehicle is on a curve or making a turn.

[0018] When installed on opposing sides of adjacent cars of a multi-carvehicle, the present invention forms a barrier against the passage of aperson when the cars are joined together. The material used is chosenfor the loop and bracket must meet all applicable safety requirementsand have properties which will enable the flexible loop to articulate orflex, but then return to its normal, undeformed state.

[0019] The present invention can be better understood by referring tothe following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings. Although the present invention has beendescribed with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will beevident to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made to these embodiments, and equivalents may besubstituted for elements in these embodiments, without departing fromthe general spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular element, technique or implementation to the teachings of thepresent invention without departing from the central scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferredembodiments of the invention, and together with the preceding generaldescription and the following Detailed Description, explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0021] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the following drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements, and in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the present invention mounted totwo adjoining vehicle cars in an in-line orientation.

[0023]FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the secured mount andflexible loop and bracket of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0024]FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the secured mount and flexiblemember in the form of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the secured mount and flexibleloop and bracket together with an interlocking mechanism.

[0026]FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of the secured mount face plate ofa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 1E illustrates a top view of a interlocking slot of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 1F illustrates an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention providing the connection of the loop and bracket to a securedmount.

[0029]FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the present invention mounted totwo adjoining vehicle cars in a skewed orientation.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the present invention mounted totwo adjoining vehicle cars in a different skewed orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention mounted to a multi-car vehicle where the vehicles aresubstantially in alignment. This is a typical configuration for theloading and unloading of a multi-car transportation vehicle. Asindicated in FIG. 1, each of the first and second vehicle cars (1000,2000 respectively) illustrated has a longitudinal center line (1001,2001, respectively). Where the cars of the transportation vehicle may besubject to boarding from either or both sides of the longitudinal centerline, the device and method of the present invention may be practiced onboth of the outer longitudinal edges of the vehicle cars (1010, 1020,and 2010 and 2020, respectively).

[0032] Each longitudinal edge has a first end (1010A and 2010A) andsecond end (1010B and 2010B). Similarly, where the vehicle is configuredsuch that the station platform (3000) will only be adjacent to onelongitudinal edge of the vehicle (e.g., 1020, 2020), the device andmethod of the present invention need only be practiced along thatlongitudinal edge of the vehicle cars, since that is the side on whichthe loading and unloading of passengers or material will occur and/orthe normally anticipated area where persons might be present which couldbenefit from the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention. As illustrated, the present invention comprises two(2) components which are mounted to each car (1000) of a multi-cartransportation vehicle. The first component is a secured mount (100).The second component is a flexible loop and bracket (200), such as asemi-rigid rubber loop or an articulating extension (200). In onepreferred embodiment, the secured mount (100) is constructed of a lightweight composite or aluminum. The secured mount (100) is preferablyconstructed so as to conform and rest flush with the shape of thevehicle car (1000) where it is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, thesecured mount (100) is attached to a vehicle by one or pin connectors(110) inserted through one or more pin openings (112) located on thesecured mount (100).

[0034] The flexible rubber loop and bracket (200) is preferably areplaceable flexible loop constructed of a fiber, rubber or likematerial in a preferred embodiment. As will be understood by thoseskilled in the art, this flexible rubber loop and bracket (200) can bean articulating extension which is able to stay within the envelope ofthe vehicle car (1000) when the car is turning or on a curve and may beunhinged and stored within the barrier bracket. The flexible loop andbracket (200) is preferably attached horizontally to the secured mount(100). The flexible loop and bracket (200) preferably includes at leastone reflective strip (210) for added visibility and safety. A stiffener(220) may be inserted into the flexible loop and bracket (200) to addfurther rigidity. FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an assembled securedmount (100) and flexible rubber loop and bracket (200). Positioningmembers (300), such as bungee cords (optional), are connected to theloop.

[0035] The physical size of each of the secured mount (100) and theflexible loop (or articulating extension) (200) will depend on variousfactors including, without limitation, the size of the vehicle cars(1000), the distance by which the cars are separated when they are in aloading and unloading condition and the radius of any turns or curves itwill make. FIGS. 1A and 1B set forth typical dimensions applicable to atypical embodiment in which the present invention can be used.

[0036] The flexible loop (200) can be removed and stored on a vehicleand can be reattached at anytime. No maintenance to the secured mount(100) or flexible loop (200) is required while the vehicle is inservice. Nor is attention needed to the secured mount (100) or flexibleloop (200) when the vehicle cars are uncoupled.

[0037]FIG. 1C depicts a preferred embodiment of the instant inventionwhere an interlocking mechanism is used to connect the secured mount(100) to the flexible rubber loop and bracket (200). Positioned at oneend of the secured mount (100) is an end plate (120). The end plate(120) contains at least one slot (125). Positioned at one end of theflexible rubber loop and bracket (200) is a loop end plate (230). Theloop end plate (230) contains at least one hook (235). Thus, insertionof the hook (235) on the loop end plate (230) into the slot (125) on themount end plate (120) interconnects the secured mount (100) to theflexible rubber loop and bracket (200).

[0038]FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of a mount end plate (120)containing two slots (125). FIG. 1E illustrates a top view of a slot(125) located on the mount end plate (120). FIG. 1F illustrates analternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, oneor more bolts (127 a) are threaded between the flexible loop and bracket(200) and the secured mount (100) by virtue of corresponding nuts (127b). As will be understood to one of skill in the art, numerousalternative embodiments of this mechanism could be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, when the present invention is practiced onthe ends of adjacent cars, the flexible rubber loop and bracket (200) ofeach car meet thereby blocking entrance to the space between the cars.Positioning members (300), such as bungee cords, are optional to keepthe flexible loops (200) from protruding beyond the longitudinal edge ofthe track envelope. FIG. 1 further depicts a preferred embodiment wherethe positioning member (300) is connected to the flexible rubber loops(200) and is anchored to the vehicle itself. These configurations enablethe vehicle to make turns or travel on a curve without endangeringpersons standing nearby and without interfering with a structure or walladjacent to the path of the vehicle.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the Between Car Barrier ismounted on one or more longitudinal edges of adjacent cars in thevehicle such that the Between Car Barrier is attached the second end ofa longitudinal edge (1010B) of a first car (1000) and the first end of alongitudinal edge (2010A) of a second car (2000). The flexible loops(200) act to provide a barrier to prevent persons from entering the areabetween these vehicle cars. Moreover, when the vehicle turns ortraverses a curve (as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4), the positioningmember (300) connected to each of the flexible members (200) in theabove-referenced arrangement will act to ensure that neither of theflexible members extend beyond the envelope or footprint in which thevehicle would move in the absence of the present invention, so as toavoid any collision or interference with any objects or persons in thearea of the vehicle.

[0041] Given the ease with which the present invention may be installedon a car, it is possible to quickly adapt a car for the configurationwith which it may be presented during the course of its travel forparticular assignment. Thus, it is possible to easily and quickly adapta car of a vehicle which historically has had a station platform onlyalong one longitudinal edge of its travels to a train where a stationplatform may be adjacent to both sides (either simultaneously ordifferent times) of the longitudinal edge of the car.

[0042] Thus, a method and apparatus for providing a Between Car Barrierfor transportation vehicles is described. Although the present inventionhas been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, itwill be evident to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made to these embodiments, and equivalents may besubstituted for elements in these embodiments, without departing fromthe general spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular element, technique or implementation to the teachings of thepresent invention without departing from the central scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should beregarded as illustrative, rather than a restrictive.

I claim:
 1. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus, comprising: a securedmount, said secured mount arranged as to be attachable to the exteriorsurface of a vehicle car; and a flexible member, said flexible memberbeing detachably connectable to said secured mount.
 2. A multi-carvehicle safety apparatus in claim 1, wherein a flexible member isattached to a secured mount on opposed sides of a first car and a secondcar of said vehicle and said flexible members block space between saidcars.
 3. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 1, furthercomprising: a positioning member in contact with said flexible memberwhereby said positioning member keeps said flexible member in alignmentwith said vehicle.
 4. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 2,further comprising: a positioning member in contact with said flexiblemember whereby said positioning member keeps said flexible member inalignment with said vehicle.
 5. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus inclaim 3, wherein said positioning member is an elastic cord.
 6. Amulti-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 4, wherein said positioningmember is an elastic cord.
 7. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatuscomprising: a secured mount, said secured mount attachable to theexterior surface of a vehicle car; and a flexible loop, said flexiblemember being detachably connected to said secured mount.
 8. A multi-carvehicle safety apparatus in claim 7, further comprising: a positioningmember in contact with said flexible loop whereby said positioningmember prevents said flexible loop from extending beyond said vehicle.9. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 8, wherein saidpositioning member is an elastic cord.
 10. A multi-car vehicle safetyapparatus in claim 7, further comprising a stiffener in contact withsaid flexible loop providing further stiffness to said flexible loop.11. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 8, further comprisinga stiffner in contact with said flexible loop providing furtherstiffness to set flexible loop.
 12. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatusin claim 9, further comprising a stiffner in contact with said flexibleloop providing further stiffness to said flexible loop.
 13. A multi-carvehicle safety apparatus in claim 7, wherein said flexible loop isdetachably connected to said secured mount by a hook integral with saidflexible loop, said hook inserted into a slot integral with said securedmount.
 14. A multi-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 8, wherein saidflexible loop is detachably connected to said secured mount by a hookintegral with said flexible loop, said hook inserted into a slotintegral with said secured mount.
 15. A multi-car vehicle safetyapparatus in claim 9, wherein said flexible loop is detachably connectedto said secured mount by a hook integral with said flexible loop, saidhook inserted into a slot integral with said secured mount.
 16. Amulti-car vehicle safety apparatus in claim 10, wherein said flexibleloop is detachably connected to said secured mount by a hook integralwith said flexible loop, said hook inserted into a slot integral withsaid secured mount.
 17. A method for providing a barrier between a firstcar and a second car of a multi-car transportation vehicle, the methodcomprising the steps of: coupling a first secured mount to a second endof a longitudinal edge of a first car; coupling a second secured mountto a first end of a longitudinal edge of a second car, said first carand said second car being arranged to be adjacent to each other and saidlongitudinal edges of each of said cars being in substantial alignment,a first flexible member and a second flexible member connecting a saidfirst and said second secured mounts, respectively, such that saidflexible members form a barrier between said first car and said secondcar.
 18. A method for providing a barrier between a first car and asecond car of a multi-car transportation vehicle in claim 17 furthercomprising: connecting a first positioning member to said first flexiblemember whereby said first flexible member remains in alignment with saidfirst car by virtue of said first positioning member; and connecting asecond positioning member to said second flexible member whereby saidsecond flexible member remains in alignment with said second car byvirtue of said second positioning member.
 19. A method for providing abarrier between a first car and a second car of a multi-cartransportation vehicle in claim 17 wherein said first flexible memberand said second flexible member are loops.
 20. A method for providing abarrier between a first car and a second car of a multi-cartransportation vehicle in claim 18 wherein said first flexible memberand said second flexible member are loops.
 21. A method for providing abarrier between a first car and a second car of a multi-cartransportation vehicle in claim 18 wherein said positioning member is anelastic cord.
 22. A method for providing a barrier between a first carand a second car of a multi-car transportation vehicle in claim 19wherein said positioning member is an elastic cord.